Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I achieved the nine-month mark of residing in London. While it may not appear extensive, I have gleaned various insights throughout this period. London is an animated city, recognized not only for its varied housing options but also for its lively communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse their future living spaces online, complete with amenities and transport links.
In my quest for a residence, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London has an exceptional transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes cross-zone travel straightforward. I aimed to keep travel expenses low, as traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university commutes more cost-effective. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, serving zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ based on distance and the pricing policies of each train company. The high living costs in central London can be attributed to its major attractions. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to a substantial reduction in rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to interact with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, something I felt would be tougher through private rentals.
Having grocery stores nearby was essential for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly variants such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam weeks.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a challenging task. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural fabric, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for the comfort of their home country’s culture in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community with Indian dining options, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, stores, and cultural festivities. These examples reflect just a few of the community-centric neighborhoods available.
The optimal places to reside in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new dwelling in London, embrace the vast diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and revel in the accessibility and thrill of this extraordinary city.